Venezuelan Turmoil: Two Days of Protest as Political Power Struggle Continues

Venezuelans took to the streets after the Supreme Court gutted the only opposition-run institution – the Congress – seizing its powers and declaring the elected body invalid. The move drew widespread condemnation from foreign governments and opponents of President Nicolas Maduro, who was accused of pushing his crisis-torn country towards one-man rule.

The ruling was largely rolled back on Saturday after the outcry, but opposition leaders are now promising a wave of demonstrations to demand fresh elections to bring about the end to nearly two decades of socialist rule.

Juan Requesens, deputy of the National Assembly, sits on a National Guard barricade during a second day of protests.

Photographer: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg

A demonstrator looks through a National Guard barricade.

Photographer: Wil Riera/Bloomberg

Demonstrators protest in front of the National Guard barricade.

Photographer: Wil Riera/Bloomberg

Anti-government student demonstrators shout in front of National Guard officers during the first day of protests.

Photographer: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg

Demonstrators hold a banner that reads "Elections Now, No More Dictatorship."

Photographer: Wil Riera/Bloomberg

Demonstrators push against a National Guard barricade during a second day of protests.